Lincoln Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK)

Ranging from Roman remains and historical attractions, to relaxing boat trips on the Fossdyke and creepy ghost tours, there is certainly plenty of choice for tourists taking a break in Lincoln. By simply taking a stroll around Lincoln's handsome Cathedral Quarter you will pass many tourist attractions and old medieval buildings, which are particularly clustered around Steep Hill and the Bailgate.

Families will enjoy spending time at the Hartsholme Country Park and the Woodside Wildlife and Falconry, both of which couldn't be more different than the tourist attractions in the very heart of Lincoln. Other visitors may be here to watch a soccer match at the Sincil Bank Stadium, or to visit the rather special collection of tropical plants at the Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory.

Guided Walking Tours

Guided walking tours of Lincoln are a great way to learn more about the city and depart from outside of the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) on Castle Hill. Tours usually last approximately one and a half hours and take in many of the city's most famous sights and attractions, so be sure to bring your camera. 'Green Badge' guides will take you all around the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, passing by the Medieval Bishops' Palace and the castle, through the Exchequer Gate and down Steep Hill, where the Harding House Gallery, the Norman House and the Jew's Court are all special highlights. Bus tours are also available if you would rather sit down as you sightsee.
Open hours: June to September, daily - 11:00 and 14:15; October - Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 and 14:15
Admission: free, charge for bus tours

Lincoln Ghost Walk

Address: Castle Square, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK
Tel: +44 01522 874056
To learn more about the city's ghostly hauntings and supernatural past, join the award-winning evening Lincoln Ghost Walk and take a stroll along the central streets. Led by experienced guides, these walking tours pass many places of interest and attractions along the way. Those wishing to join in the fun should meet up in the Castle Square, close to the Magna Carta public house, five minutes before the tour officially begins. There is no need to book ahead for this activity and it is quite acceptable to simply turn up on the day.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 19:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children under 12 years old

Boat Trips and Cruises

Address: Brayford Pool, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 1YX, England, UK
Tel: +44 01522 881200
Boat trips and chartered cruises along the Fossdyke anal and River Witham are always popular on a sunny afternoon, and depart from the Brayford Pool, at the far end of Lucy Tower Street and opposite the modern Odeon cinema. River cruises on the 'Brayford Belle' are especially popular, since this large boat features an open-top deck and informative commentary. The lower deck is fully enclosed and has its own licenced bar, toilet and big picture windows. Self-drive motor boats can also be hired from the Brayford Pool and are able to seat six passengers.
Open hours: April to September, daily, departing at 11:00, 12:15, 13:30, 14:45 and 15:45 (later cruises during the summer months); October, Saturday and Sunday, departing at 11:00, 12:15, 13:30, 14:45 and 15:45
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families (two adults and two children) and students

The Lawn and the Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory

Address: Union Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3BL, England, UK
Tel: +44 01522 873622
Formerly a psychiatric hospital and standing directly opposite Lincoln Castle, on the other side of Union Road, the Lawn is currently operating as a visitor attraction and conference centre. The Lawn comprises a number of beautiful buildings, a summer rose garden and a play area for young children. Most tourists come here to visit the Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory, which is a tropical glasshouse containing exotic plants, brightly coloured flowers and a pond filled with huge koi carp. The conservatory is named after the famous British explorer Sir Joseph Banks (1743 to 1820), a wealthy Lincolnshire squire who was a great naturalist and botanist of his time.
Open hours: March to October, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30; November to February, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Steep Hill

Address: Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK
Steep Hill is an ancient medieval lane that links the modern centre of Lincoln with the nearby Cathedral Quarter. This cobblestone street is well named, because it really is rather steep and a walk to the very top will likely leave you out of breath - there is even a handrail at the steepest section, just before the Magna Carta pub. Attractions along the way include some of the city's oldest and most important buildings, such as the 12th-century Jew's House, which has strong connections with the city's historic Jewish community and is now an especially noteworthy restaurant in its own right. At the very top of Steep Hill, an ice-cream parlour is the perfect place for a sit-down and comes with a charming downstairs cafe area, where a vaulted ceiling and 10th-century archway add a great deal of character.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Hartsholme Country Park and Swanholme Lakes

Address: Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 0EY, England, UK
Tel: +44 01522 873577
The Hartsholme Country Park is located within the city environs and lies just 5 km / 3 miles from the actual city centre. Covering some 80 hectares / 200 acres in total and featuring an array of recreational and idyllic attractions, the Hartsholme Country Park comes with woodland trails, meadowland, lakes, heaths, gardens, picnic areas and even a working campsite, serving as both a wildlife haven and city oasis. Access to the park is from Skellingthorpe Road.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Woodside Wildlife and Falconry

Address: Newball, Near Langworth, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN3 5DQ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01522 754280
Situated on the north-easterly outskirts of the city and close to Langworth, next to Newball Wood, the Woodside Wildlife and Falconry attraction is particularly appealing to tourists holidaying with children. There is plenty to see here and all ages will enjoy the falconry displays and the opportunity to handle snakes and other reptiles. Also popular at Woodside Wildlife is pig racing, tropical butterflies, a group of wallabies, some friendly raccoons, cute marmosets and even trout fishing. The onsite tea rooms are housed within a converted area and are a good place for a quick snack.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and seniors

Sincil Bank Stadium

Address: Sincil Bank, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 8LD, England, UK
Tel: +44 0870 8992005
Built as long ago as 1895, the Sincil Bank Stadium is a particularly famous football stadium and the home ground of Lincoln City FC. Capable of accommodating more than 10,000 spectators, the Sincil Bank Stadium features five main stands and was greatly modernised at the end of the 1990s. Various rock concerts have also been staged here over the years, with the most famous bands including The Kinks, The Who and Westlife, amongst others. Athletics championships, lawn tennis matches, cycling events, American football games and boxing matches are also hosted at the Sincil Bank Stadium at times.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge for football matches and other events

Rand Farm Park

Address: Rand, Lincolnshire, LN8 5NJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01673 858904
A popular family attraction and working farm, Rand Farm Park lies just outside of the city, in the neighbouring village of Rand. Those planning a day out at the farm can expect to find attractions such as many newborn animals, the opportunity to hand feed calves and lambs, milking demonstrations and many seasonal activities, as well as an adventure playground, an indoor soft play centre, tractor rides and a go-kart track. Younger visitors will particularly enjoy spending their pocket money at the onsite toy shop, while grown-ups may be interested in the locally sourced produce sold at the farm shop.
Open hours: daily, March to October - 10:00 to 18:00; November to February - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families (two adults and two / three children) and seniors, children two years old and under are free of charge